PU Additives for Artificial Leather and Froth Foam

We want you, your customers, and their end users to feel the difference that our additive technologies can make to your artificial leather and froth foam formulations – whatever the application we can help.

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From handbags, shoes, and garments to automotive seating - polyurethane-based artificial leather provides a sustainable and effective alternative to natural leather in a variety of applications.
A porous PU layer coated onto a textile carrier at the core of the material determines much of the material’s physical properties, including, haptics, breathability, tear strength and other features. Traditionally produced in a solvent-intensive process, the industry is increasingly moving towards sustainable processes to protect both consumers, and the environment. As the expert in foamed polyurethanes, we are at the forefront in developing additives that enable this new generation of artificial leather technologies.

We developed our innovative ORTEGOL® P series of foaming agents specifically for water-borne polyurethane dispersions applied to textile substrates to ensure an efficient foam build-up, and the formation of a superior homogenous cell structure. ORTEGOL® P additives enable the production of high-quality artificial leather without any risk of surface migration. ORTEGOL® PD dispersing agents offer organic and inorganic fillers, and our ORTEGOL® PV viscosity enhancers complements our extensive line of foaming agents.

For solvent-free 2K polyurethane processes, we offer a broad range of amine, tin, and bismuth-based catalysts from our POLYCAT®, DABCO®, and KOSMOS® ranges. For delayed reaction profiles POLYCAT® SA temperature-activated amine catalysts provide distinct performance advantages. Innovative reactive amines from the DABCO® NE product range are particularly suitable for applications in which emission control is paramount such as materials used in automotive interiors. In our TEGOSTAB® series we offer a wide variety of silicone-based surfactants for optimized cell structure, improved substrate wetting, and enhanced surface quality.

Mechanically frothed polyurethane foams have found widespread use in a variety of specialized applications. In durable carpet backings, they provide support and help to reduce carpet wear, while also contributing to improved sound insulation. In high-quality artificial turf applications, they ensure robust sports and recreational playing surfaces. Relying on high sheer force to physically disperse air into a polyurethane system, frothed PU foams contain no VOCs from hazardous chemical blowing agents, making them ideally suitable for emission-critical applications in automobiles or our homes and offices.

As the technology leader in polyurethane foam additives, we have developed silicone-based surfactants specifically suitable for application in frothed foams. Our TEGOSTAB® range offers solutions for a broad spectrum of densities and provides innovative VOC-optimized grades for critical applications. The surfactant choice is crucial in regulating cell structure and foam density to ensure the stability of the foam during the physically demanding preparation.